The Jews: An Indigenous People – An Innovative Reframing of Jewish Identity

In a time of increasing debate over Zionism, antisemitism, and Jewish self-definition, Freeman’s book arrives as an urgent and necessary intervention in the conversation.

Source: Ben M. Freeman

Ben M. Freeman’s latest book, The Jews: An Indigenous People, offers a powerful, paradigm-shifting perspective on Jewish identity. In this work, Freeman makes a compelling case for understanding the Jewish people not merely as a religious group but as an indigenous civilization with deep historical and spiritual ties to the Land of Israel. In a time of increasing debate over Zionism, antisemitism, and Jewish self-definition, Freeman’s book arrives as an urgent and necessary intervention in the conversation.

Unique Approaches to Jewish Indigeneity

Freeman, known for his previous works on Jewish pride and identity, systematically argues that the Jewish people meet the criteria of indigeneity as defined by anthropologists and international organizations. He challenges the Eurocentric narrative that has often relegated Jewish identity to a mere religion, ignoring the ethnic, cultural, and national dimensions that have existed for millennia. The book is as much a historical study as it is a call to arms: Jews must reclaim their story on their own terms.

At the heart of Freeman’s thesis is the assertion that the Jews are indigenous to the Land of Israel. Unlike the common framing of Zionism as a modern political movement, he reframes it as a decolonization effort—a reclaiming of ancestral land after centuries of forced exile. Freeman writes, "The Jews are indigenous to the Land of Israel. This means we originated and are rooted there, and for thousands of years, up to this very day, we maintain a deep and emotional connection with the land itself and the cities built upon it."

One of Freeman's most compelling contributions is his application of the United Nations’ framework for indigeneity to the Jewish people. He carefully examines the UN's seven criteria for recognizing indigenous status and demonstrates how Jewish history, cultural continuity, and spiritual practices align with these standards. The UN’s framework for indigeneity includes factors such as historical continuity with pre-colonial societies, distinct language, cultural traditions, and a deep spiritual connection to a specific land.

Throughout chapters five and six, Freeman presents evidence that the Jewish people fulfill each of these elements, and in so doing, he not only strengthens the Jewish claim to indigeneity but also reframes the broader conversation about Jewish identity using widely accepted academic and legal frameworks. This structured approach brings a level of rigor to a conversation often muddied by political bias.

Another particularly unique aspect of the book is Freeman’s "Head, Hands, and Heart" model of Jewish pride. He argues that a strong Jewish identity must be cultivated through three essential elements:

• Head: Knowledge of Jewish history, indigeneity, and the broader Jewish experience.

• Hands: Active Jewish engagement, such as observing traditions, visiting Israel, or participating in Jewish life.

• Heart: Emotional connection to Jewish identity, fostering pride and resilience in the face of external challenges.

This model provides a practical framework for Jews seeking to reclaim and strengthen their identity. By grounding Jewish pride in both intellectual and experiential dimensions, Freeman presents a compelling and actionable way forward for Jewish self-definition.

A Narrative Rooted in History and Evidence

Freeman meticulously traces Jewish history from its earliest roots in the biblical land of Israel, citing archaeological evidence, historical records, and cultural continuity to reinforce his claims. The book presents a detailed examination of the Jewish people's uninterrupted connection to their homeland—even during times of displacement. Freeman highlights how Jewish traditions, prayers, and even dietary laws reflect an inherent connection to the land, reinforcing the claim that Jewish identity cannot be severed from its origins.

He also takes aim at how Jewish identity has been misrepresented by non-Jews, particularly in the West. Freeman writes, "For thousands of years, the Jewish connection to and relationship with the Land of Israel was understood and acknowledged. Both to Jews and non-Jews, from a religious and a secular perspective, our roots were understood."

October 7th and the Modern Challenge

Freeman addresses the harrowing events of October 7th and their impact on Jewish identity and the global perception of Israel. He argues that these attacks have laid bare the continued effort to distort and erase Jewish history. "By providing Jews with knowledge, and an understanding, of our experience and status as an indigenous people, this study will allow Jews to define our own narrative. In a post-October 7th world, this is a form of resistance," he asserts.

He highlights how the response to the attacks underscores the ongoing distortion of Jewish identity:

“At its core, Jewishness has been distorted by external forces, reflected through what I call the ‘Broken Mirror of Jewish Identity.’ The non-Jewish world, with its power and privilege as the majority, feels entitled to dictate to us what it means to be Jewish….

Never has this been clearer than following the October 7th massacre when Jewish identity has been repeatedly defined by the anti-Jewish Left, with Zionism presented as a genocidal cult, forcing many Jews with no choice but to reject their Zionism.”

— Freeman

Freeman also notes that "too many people seek to continue the work of the Soviet Union: to deny Jewish indigeneity, portray Jews as a colonial people with no connection to the Land of Israel, and present Zionism as a white, imperialist project." The resurgence of antisemitism following October 7th, he argues, demonstrates the need for Jews to reclaim their history and assert their right to self-determination with even greater urgency.

Rejecting External Definitions of Jewishness

One of the book’s most striking arguments is that Jews must stop allowing non-Jews to define their identity. For centuries, the Jewish people have been subject to externally imposed labels—whether by European colonial powers, Soviet propaganda, or modern-day radical-leftist academia. Freeman urges Jews to take back control of their narrative and embrace their true status as an indigenous people. "Only Jews can and should define Jewish identity,” he asserts. “Non-Jewish definitions of what it means to be a Jew are illegitimate.”

A Call to Action

Freeman’s book is not just a theoretical exploration—it is a rallying cry for Jews worldwide. He urges Jewish communities to reclaim their story, to educate themselves on their indigenous heritage, and to confidently assert their rights as a people with deep, ancient roots in Israel. For Jewish readers, The Jews: An Indigenous People offers a newfound sense of pride and clarity. For non-Jews, it serves as an essential educational tool to better understand Jewish identity beyond simplistic religious classifications and what may be presented in the media and halls of academia.

Final Thoughts

Ben M. Freeman has written a book that is as essential as it is provocative. In an era of increasing misinformation and historical revisionism, The Jews: An Indigenous People provides a crucial counter-narrative rooted in truth and scholarship. Whether you are deeply engaged in Jewish identity discourse or simply seeking to expand your understanding of world history, this book is a must-read.

In reclaiming indigeneity, Freeman argues, Jews are not asking for special treatment or making a political argument—they are merely stating a historical fact. And, as he makes clear, embracing that fact is essential to securing Jewish pride, resilience, and the future of the Jewish people.

Freeman writes, "The truth is, we are indigenous. We should recognise it. We should live it. And we should be proud of it. It is our story. Now let’s tell it."

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Title: The Jews: An Indigenous People
Author: Ben M. Freeman
Publisher: No Pasaran Media, 2025
ISBN: 9781916797475 (Print, 336 pages), 9781916797482 (Ebook)
Available at: Amazon and other major booksellers.

For more information on Ben M. Freeman and his work, visit his official website: www.benmfreeman.com.